The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

NEW BERN. (North-Carolina) Aug 30.

THE following are the last Words and dying Speech of BENJAMIN MERRILL, executed at Hillsborough (with five others) as formerly mentioned in the Paper.

"I STAND here exposed to the world as a criminal, my life will soon be at an end; God is my comfort and supporter; I am condemned to die for opposing government; all you that are present take warning by my miserable end, when I shall be hung up as a spectacle before you. My first seducers were Hunter and Gillespie; they had often solicited me, told me settlement was only contended for; with regard to publick officers, who they said, had oppressed the people and that unless those measures were taken there could be no remedy of redress hereafter.

"Thus they pressed me on, by assuring me the disputes (as they called them) then existing, might be settled without shedding of blood. I considered this unhappy affair, and thought possibly the contentions in the country might be brought to some determination without injury to any; and in this mind I joined the regulation. After I had listed under the banner of the Regulators, I was ever after pressed to be made a leading man among them, and was one of the number who opposed Col. Waddell with his troops; informations prevailing, the Governor was on his march to lay waste this country and destroy it's inhabitants: informations which I now find to be false, and propagated to screen old offenders from justice.

"As to my private life, I do not know of any particular charge against me. I received, by the grace of God, a change fifteen years ago but have, since that time been a backslider; yet Providence, in whom is my chief security, has been pleased to give me comfort under those evils in the last hour: although the halter is now round my neck, believe me, I would not change stations with any man on the ground. All you who think you stand, take heed lest ye fall.

"I would be glad to say a few words more before I die, the purport of which is,--in a few moments I shall leave behind me a wife and ten children to a wicked and censorious world, and intreat it as a favour no reflections may be cast on them on my account; and if it is possible, shall esteem it as a bounty, if you, Gentlemen, will petition the Governor, Council, &c. that some part of my estate may be spared to them, it will be an act of mere charity, tho' I have forfeited the whole by the laws of God and man."--here he paused--

I have, ever since the day of battle, been thoroughly convinced I was wrong in opposing the laws and government of my country; I was blindly led into the atrocious act by wicked and designing men, without provocation and resentment; but O! it is now too late to call back the bloody intention; the blow is given, and I must die for the crime."--here he paused again--

All you that are here present, beware of drunkenness, lying cursing and swearing. I could point out some instances of this kind, but it will avail nothing at present--they are registered in Heaven.